Accessibility accommodations at Olmsted County Parks
We know everyone’s experience is unique, please let us know if there is anything we can do to make your visit enjoyable to Olmsted County Parks.
Please note that pets, including comfort and emotional support animals, are not allowed in the Zollman Zoo or park buildings. Service animals trained for specific tasks are welcome but may be asked to leave if they are misbehaving.
Action Track chair
The ultimate all-terrain wheelchair made in Marshall, MN that can be used around the park and in the zoo (not indoors).
Free to use.
Available 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily.
Oxbow Park: Inquire at the Nature Center front desk to use on a first come, first serve basis or call ahead to reserve at 507-328-7340.
Chester Woods Park: Email or call ahead to reserve at chesterwoods@olmstedcounty.gov or call 507-328-7350.
Photo courtesy of Minnesota DNR.
ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features
Oxbow Park
- Swing seat at the playground located farthest to the left at the Main Picnic Area
- Three (3) campsites
- Campground restroom/shower facility
- Two (2) picnic shelters with paths (Main #3 and Second Bridge)
- Zoo and Nature Center
Chester Woods Park
- Playground
- Path to beach and watercraft rentals
- Fishing Piers (one with drive up capability)
- Two (2) campsites and camper cabins
- Campground restroom/shower facility
- Six (6) picnic shelters with paths
American Sign Language Interpreter
Available during public programming at Oxbow Park.
Email oxbow@olmstedcounty.gov or call 507-328-7340 to request.
Please request at least two weeks in advance.
Requests are not guaranteed to be fulfilled as it is a volunteer interpreter position.
If you are fluent in American Sign Language and interested in volunteering as an interpreter, email oxbow@olmstedcounty.gov or call 507-328-7340.
Social Narrative for Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo
View or print out our Social Narrative to prepare for your visit to Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo. It provides step-by-step information about what you may encounter as you explore the Nature Center and Zollman Zoo.
Companion Care restrooms
Three companion care restrooms are available at the Oxbow Park Nature Center. One indoors is available 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and two outdoor restrooms are available 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sensory Kit
A variety of stimulating and calming items are available to borrow during your visit to Oxbow Park.
Free for use while at the park.
Check out and return items at the Nature Center front desk from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Sensory kit includes: Adult and child size headphones, weighted gel lap pad, doodle board, fidget spinners, poppers, sphere maze, weighted sand animals, sensory brush, glitter wand, squishy frog, fidget slug, and more! A backpack is provided to carry the items around during the duration of your visit.
Quiet spaces
The “Mother’s Room” can be used as a quiet space, it is located near the restrooms in the Oxbow Park Nature Center.
Wheelchairs
Two folding wheelchairs are available inside the Oxbow Park Nature Center to be used indoors or outdoors. Along with wheelchairs, there is also a walker available to use.
Free to use.
Available 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.